What a Week

by jessicaturner on April 11, 2008

This week sure has been draining – in every way possible. Life seems very overwhelming right now. In addition to the loss of Audrey (which continues to consume my thoughts and prayers), I am slammed at work, my house is a wreck, I need to register for baby items for Elias, I am in two weddings the first two weekends in May and both dresses need major alterations (one actually has to be remade to fit my voluptuous pregnant body), Scrap Etc. is next weekend and I have A LOT of photos to take and prepare, and it all seems to need immediate attention.

So, what am I doing in this state of overwhelmed anxiety? I am going on a retreat with some of my closest friends in Nashville. This group of women are all in my Monday night “bible study” – although it really is more of a community group/book club than a traditional bible study. I was not going to go on the trip because of the aforementioned list, but Matthew and I both felt a prompting that I needed to go. So, we leave tonight at 5:30 for Knoxville and come back early Sunday morning. I am really excited and have a peace and hopeful expectation for what God has in store. Please say a prayer for this time.

Yesterday, I receive my daily email from The Daily Verse by Kat Davis. I love it because Kat’s message is direct and often hits me right between the eyes. In my overwhelmed state, it spoke to my heart and affirmed that I should go on the retreat:

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.Philippians 3:8

We can often let our jobs, our material possessions and our relationships take precedence over the thing that matters most – our relationship with Christ. Take note of what is most important to you and make adjustments where necessary.

Pretty cool, huh? Her commentary really stopped my thoughts. What is really important? That to do list should NOT be consuming you like it has been, I thought to myself.

Do you ever feel this way? What, if anything, has been taking priority in your life and is it interfering with your relationship with God?

You do have a lot on your plate, and you must take care of yourself and little Eli. I’m dealing with a lot myself these days, and I have some days that I am overwhelmed. I can totally identify with the messy house bit! While I work out and eat healthy, my time alone with God in the early morning hours helps me keep a perspective on things.

That commentary is right on! Thank you for hearing and for helping me keep my mind on what really counts.

Well let me just say that that devotional would have hit me square in the chest as well. It did right now when I read it. I work full time right now, and we currently only have one car. My hubs is a pastor at a church near our house, but I have to drive him in, and then go another 45 min in the opposite direction to drop off our 2 year old in daycare and go to work. Then I do the same thing going home. It is exhausting and I am finding myself putting my time in the Word and with my Lord last on my to-do list. And it is showing in my attitude towards work, family and life. Thanks for your open heart and honest post.

I usually let the monotony of being a SAHM get ahold of me more than materialism. I’m constantly trying to figure out “What can I do?” instead of working with what I already have. Hmm… lot of stuff to ponder!